🎚️ 3.5mm Stereo • XLR Stereo Audio Cable

This cable connects a 3.5mm stereo TRS source to an XLR input. It’s used to route stereo audio from phones, tablets, or laptops into professional audio systems—or vice versa—depending on the connector configuration.
 
🔌 Cable Varieties
🔹 3.5mm TRS Male → XLR Male
Form: Mini stereo plug → XLR male plug
Use Case: Send stereo signal into a mixer or PA system
Examples:
Laptop → mixer input
Phone → powered speaker
Tablet → audio interface
Note: Often unbalanced; may sum stereo to mono depending on wiring
 
🖥️ Compatible Devices
📱 Phones, tablets, laptops
🎛️ Mixers, recorders, interfaces
📼 Camcorders, DSLRs, boomboxes
🎧 Headphones (via adapter)
🧪 Embedded boards with stereo output
🚗 Car stereos with XLR input (rare but possible)
 
✅ Common Uses
🔊 Connect mobile device to mixer or PA
🎛️ Patch stereo playback into XLR input
📼 Route audio from laptop to camera or recorder
🧰 Bridge consumer gear with pro audio systems
🧪 Prototype stereo-to-XLR paths in embedded builds
 
🧠 Signal Format
3.5mm TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve):
Tip = Left audio
Ring = Right audio
Sleeve = Ground
XLR (3-pin):
Pin 1 = Ground
Pin 2 = Signal (often Left or summed)
Pin 3 = Signal (often Right or unused)
Stereo Behavior:
Some cables sum stereo to mono
Others route L/R to separate pins—check wiring spec
 
⚠️ Things to Watch Out For
🔄 Not truly balanced — most are unbalanced or pseudo-balanced
🧬 Stereo-to-mono summing — may lose channel separation
🔊 Phantom power risk — avoid sending 48V into 3.5mm devices
📏 Cable length matters — longer runs may need shielding
🎛️ Connector fit — XLR ends may be bulky for tight builds
 
🛠️ Quick Tips for Beginners
🔍 Count the black bands: 2 = TRS (stereo), 3 = TRRS (mic/control)
🧠 Use for stereo playback, not mic input unless specified
⚡ Check wiring spec—some cables sum stereo to mono
🧰 Ideal for live rigs, studio setups, and embedded builds
🎛️ Test signal path before permanent install